-DISCLAIMER-
THE LAW LIBRARY STAFF IS PROHIBITED FROM PRACTICING LAW. ANY E-MAIL INQUIRIES REQUESTING A LEGAL OPINION WILL NOT BE RESPONDED TO. INTERNET SUBSCRIBERS AND ON-LINE READERS SHOULD NOT ACT UPON THIS INFORMATION WITHOUT SEEKING PROFESSIONAL COUNSEL.

Renovations to the Law Library began in 2006 have been completed with the exception of furnishings for the new lawyers’ lounge. Donated through the generosity of the Northampton County Bar Association, new furniture and accessories are expected to arrive any day. The services of a professional interior designer were utilized in an effort to create a comfortable and restful environment. Other Library renovations completed within the past year include: new restrooms, carpeting, a new computer counter and additional shelving on the 1st floor; additional shelving on the mezzanine level; and the new lawyers’ lounge and telephone booths on the 2nd floor. We extend an invitation to visit this historic facility, which has remained in the same location since 1861.

In accordance with the Home Rule Charter, the Northampton County Law Library, a non-lending facility, is a mandatory resource funded by the County and administered by the President Judge. More than 24,000 volumes can be found on three separate levels and include Pennsylvania, national and federal reported cases, selected law reviews, texts, case digests, Pennsylvania Statutes, the Pennsylvania Bulletin, official Pennsylvania departmental regulations and numerous law practice aids. An interlibrary loan/exchange policy with other law libraries adds to the services and materials available to users. The library’s inventory is computerized and catalogued by title, author and subject.

Carol D. Devlin, Law Librarian, works closely with the Law Library Committee of the Northampton County Bar Association, which makes recommendations concerning the purchase and disposition of books and improvements to the library. This year’s committee is comprised of Michael J. Thompson, Esq. (Chairman), Karl F. Longenbach, Esq., John G. Thomas, III, Esq., and Maura Zajac McGuire, Esq. In order to balance increasing demands for electronic research with the need for paper research, the Committee is currently in the process of reviewing the Library’s entire inventory.

The Law Library and Northampton Community College (NCC) continue their strong and productive working relationship. John G. Thomas, III, Esq. is both the coordinator of NCC’s Paralegal Program and a member of our Library Committee. Students visit our library to utilize resources not otherwise available to complete assignments. In addition, an orientation class is offered to the NCC students each semester to acquaint them with our library operations, the location of various research texts and available electronic research services.

Public access computers were installed in 1994, enabling electronic research on CD’s. Additionally, Northampton County Local Rules and Northampton County Common Pleas Opinions will be available in a new searchable/printable online archive in the very near future. Westlaw online access provides users reference to materials not available in traditional published form. Library patrons are also able to prepare custody papers online using www.palawhelp.org.

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